What's the best way to make an engine look used but not rusty and decrepit

[StevenGuthmiller]

1 hour ago, MrMiles said:

Thank you. Great point. I just ordered some rust wash from Amazon 

A quick tip for future projects.

For things like the exhaust manifolds, as well as exhaust pipes, etc, paint the parts with whatever metal look paint that you desire, then, from about 2 feet away, spray a very light mist of red oxide primer until you get whatever degree of rust you desire.

A little of the metal base color will show through, covered with a stippling of “rust”.

A little for light rust, or more for a more weathered look.

Then proceed with the same washes that you’re using on the rest of the parts.

I realize that there are more convincing and involved procedures for producing convincing rust, but this is an extremely simple way of producing rust without spending a lot of time and thought on it.

You can see how this technique works by looking at the exhaust pipes and E-brake cables on my ‘64 Bonneville chassis.

 

Steve

[Ulf]

On 6/17/2023 at 9:13 PM, StevenGuthmiller said:

I agree with the washes.

Some dry brushing with a little thinned acrylic craft paint, and some dabbing and wiping here and there with damp Q-tips after it dries a bit can help to add typical dirt and grime to an engine and chassis as well.

 

I used basically 3 colors of flat craft paint on this engine and chassis.

A wash of oily dark brown.

Then in select areas, a dry brushing of a rusty reddish brown, some dirty light tan to simulate road grime, an finally a little dabbing here and there with more of the oily brown.

 

Just remember that once you start heading down this path, you're going to want to treat the engine bay and chassis in the same fashion to keep it convincing.

There's no such thing as a car with a grungy engine and a squeaky clean engine bay and chassis.

 

 

My objective with this project was to depict a vehicle that's been well used under regular, normal driving conditions for a few years.

A well maintained body and interior with a typical grungy and dirty engine bay and chassis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

I think, I'm actually convinced that this is the finest scale model car I've ever seen. What sets it apart from other great builds is the weathered look that contrasts with the color and shape.

[StevenGuthmiller]

3 hours ago, Ulf said:

I think, I'm actually convinced that this is the finest scale model car I've ever seen. What sets it apart from other great builds is the weathered look that contrasts with the color and shape.

Thanks, but I know for a fact that there are a lot of builders out there that put my work to shame.

I have no delusions.

I just do what I do, and try to continue to learn and experiment, and try to improve upon the skills that I do have.

But I thank you!

It’s always nice to have fellow modelers appreciate what you do.

 

 

 

Steve